Learning, teaching and assessment in health psychology.

Abstract

This research surveyed teaching and assessment practices used in the delivery of MSc Health Psychology courses in the UK. It aimed to provide an overview of practices, to disseminate examples of good practice, and to examine possible barriers to development of teaching practice. An online survey was completed by 52 people involved in the delivery of these courses. The findings showed that while ‘traditional’ methods of teaching and assessment (e.g. didactic lectures and essays) remain the most popular, there is evidence of innovation in the delivery of MSc Health Psychology courses (e.g. in the use of problem-based learning activities). However, whilst teaching staff generally express an interest in developing their practice, the pressures of administration and of research were reported to pose significant barriers to development.